The position involve research in machine learning techniques and Bayesian inference, applied to real-time forecasting of energetic electrons in the Earth radiation belts. These electrons can be harmful to satellites, whose disruption can potentially lead to catastrophic societal and economic events. The emerging field of Space Weather is concerned with making accurate predictions of such dangerous events, sufficiently in advance so that countermeasures can be taken.

The aim of this project is to advance our space weather prediction capability by enhancing physics based models with a new data-driven probabilistic framework. The project will involve state-of-the-art numerical simulations, Bayesian parameters estimation, uncertainty quantification and machine learning techniques.

The project ‘Real-time forecasting of killer electrons on satellite orbits’ is funded by NWO, the Dutch Organization for Scientific Research, through a 5-years VIDI grant. During the first half of the project, we aim to hire two postdocs (two years) and one PhD student (four years).

Candidates are required to have a completed PhD in numerical methods, machine learning, data science or a related discipline. Knowledge of computational physics and space plasma is desired, but not essential. Needed qualifications for candidates include proven research talent and good academic writing and presentation skills. Candidates are expected to have an excellent command of English.

The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres ("CAO-onderzoeksinstellingen"). The gross monthly salary for an employee on a full time basis, depending on relevant work experience, ranges from € 3,409 to € 4,848. The appointment will be for a period of two years.

Employees are also entitled to a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.33%. CWI offers attractive working conditions, including flexible scheduling.

Please visit our website for more information about our terms of employment: www.cwi.nl/terms-of-employment.

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI)

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science and linked to the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). The mission of CWI is to conduct pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, generating new knowledge in these fields and conveying it to trade, industry, and society at large.

CWI is an internationally oriented institute, with 160 scientists from approximately 27 countries. The facilities are first-rate and include excellent IT support, career planning, training, and courses.

CWI is located at Science Park Amsterdam that is presently developing into a major location of research in the natural sciences in The Netherlands, housing the sciences of the University of Amsterdam and of the Vrije Universiteit as well as several other national research institutes next to CWI.

www.mlspaceweather.org

For more information about the Machine Learning for Space Weather research at CWI, please visit our website www.mlspaceweather.org.